MLB Steroid Era: Where Are They Now?

Major League Baseball is still working to clean up the game and rid the sport of performance enhancing drugs. While the battle may never end, most believe that the worst of it is over. The rampant use of PED's is a black mark on baseballs checkered past that has taken down several Hall of Fame caliber players. These larger than life athletes once ruled the sport, their ascent to baseball royalty quickly followed by tragic downfalls that leave them on the outside of Cooperstown, looking in.

While the baseball world awaits a decision from MLB on the latest PED scandal, here's a look at the most notorious steroid users and where they are now...

Jose Canseco: 

The former Rangers' slugger has played a key role in exposing rampant steroid use in baseball. After publishing two books, Canseco is still trying play baseball. At 48 years old, he is suiting up for the Fort Worth Cats of the United Baseball League. Canseco's bizarre personality keeps over 500,000 Twitter followers entertained on a daily basis with regular updates of his life in Las Vegas.

Mark McGwire: 

The former single season home run champ battled his way through the steroid scandal and managed a better fate than the rest of the players on this list. The slugger is currently the Los Angeles Dodgers' hitting coach and has managed to stay out of the bizarre limelight that the rest of the players on this list seem to find themselves in regularly. He has also become very philanthropic, creating a foundation to supports agencies that help physically and sexually abused children.

Sammy Sosa:

The baseball world was captivated by Sosa, the funny Dominican slugger who provided the perfect balance to McGwire in the 1998 home run race. Since his retirement, Sosa has been mocked in the media, first for his apparent change in skin color and most recently for his bizarre actions on social media. Despite being on the receiving end of countless jokes, it appears Sosa is spending his time helping others. He recently purchased the distribution rights for a needle free injection system known as Injex21.

Barry Bonds: 

The (un?)disputed home run king is hardly recognizable to the media and players who used to spend every day with him. Not only has the slugger shrunk down to a fraction of his "playing size", but he is also singing a different tune. Hoping to find his way back in to the baseball fraternity, Bonds shared with reporters that his persona was an act and that he is actually a likeable guy. Only time will tell if the Giants like this new likeable Bonds enough to offer him a coaching position.

Roger Clemens: 

Much like Canseco, Clemens has felt the need on several occasions to prove that he still has what it takes to play in the big leagues. Last August, he made a surprisingly impressive start for the Sugar Land Skeeters at age 50. Most recently, Clemens has been the subject of social media attention as he shares his thoughts on his career and his failure to earn enough votes to get into the Hall of Fame. While we're unsure if Clemens will ever attempt to toe the rubber again, we are certain we haven't heard the last from the Texan.

Top 10 NBA Trades of All Time

While Miami Heat fans are still basking in the glow of a second-straight championship, the rest of the basketball world has turned their focus to next season. Thursday's blockbuster trade between the Nets and the Celtics sent shockwaves through the NBA and paved the road for what will undoubtedly be a wild offseason.

While the Nets will see an immediate impact with the addition of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, the Celtics have opted to rebuild, taking on five role players and three future draft picks. Only time will tell which team got the best out of this trade, but chances are it will be talked about for years to come.
Thursday's trade could go down as one of the most impactful of all time, but until then, here are the top 10...

10. Charles Barkley: 

The Phoenix Suns stole Barkley away from the Philadelphia 76'ers and entered an era of successful basketball behind the big personality. Barkley, who went on to win an MVP title, was traded to the Suns in exchange for Jeff Hornacek, Tim Perry and Andrew Lang.

9. Dirk Nowitzki: 

Dirk was an unknown when the Bucks drafted him in 1998, but he would make a home in Dallas after being traded for Robert Taylor. Nowitzki went on to a Hall of Fame career while Taylor started a total of 73 games.

8. Kevin Garnett: 

Before there was a big three in Miami, the Celtics formed a trio that would bring a 2008 championship to Boston. In the summer of 2007, the Timberwolves shipped Garnett to Bean Town in exchange for an army: Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Sebastian Telfair, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff, cash considerations and a 2009 first-round draft pick.

7. Shaquille O'Neal: 

When the Miami Heat traded for Shaq, they received the largest player in the league, the biggest personality and their first ever title. The fact that they only had to give up Lamar Odom, Caron Butler and Brian Grant had them smiling on their championship parade floats.

6. Scottie Pippen: 

The Seattle Supersonics of the 1990's dominated the West while the Bulls dominated the entire league, winning six NBA titles behind Jordan and Pippen. The fate of each franchise was set in 1987 draft when the Bulls acquired Pippen in exchange for Olden Polynice. Years later, Seattle fans could only dream of what a Payton-Pippen-Kemp trio could have accomplished.

5. Bill Russell: 

The St. Louis Hawks had the opportunity to draft Russell in the 1956 draft, but didn't have the funds available to sign him. In hindsight they should have taken out every loan possible to get the deal done, but instead traded him to Boston for Cliff Hagan and Ed Macauley.

4. Chris Paul: 

In 2011, the Lakers agreed to a deal that would have brought Paul to the Lakers to play alongside Kobe, but Commissioner Stern squashed it, instead allowing the NBA-owned New Orleans Hornets to send Paul to the Clippers in exchange for Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman, Al-Faroq Aminu and a draft pick. Lakers fans are still fuming over Stern's dubious decision.

3. Kobe Bryant: 

The Charlotte Hornets were looking for a player to make an immediate impact, so they traded away one of the greatest players of all time for three years of Vlade Divac. The center led the team to a couple of playoff appearances, but Kobe would climb the all-time points leader list while winning five championships.

2. Wilt Chamberlain: 

The Sixers thought the best player in the NBA was declining, so they traded him to the Lakers for Jerry Chambers, Archie Clark and Darrall Imhoff. The Lakers knew Chamberlain still had several great years left and they were right. The center played five more seasons, leading the Lakers to a championship in 1971-72.

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 

While Kareem had several good years as a Milwaukee Buck, he will forever be remembered as a Laker. The larger-than-life center led the Lakers to five NBA titles while collecting three of his record six MVP awards with the team. The 1975 trade that sent Elmore Smith, Brian Winters, Dave Meyers and Junior Bridgeman to the Bucks is still the best deal in Laker history.

MLB First Half Recap

The marathon that is the MLB regular season is approaching its halfway point and the playoff picture, while still undecided, is starting to take shape. While a handful of perennial contenders are in their usual position atop their respective divisions, several high payroll teams are struggling to survive. Meanwhile, analysts are scratching their heads at the success of a few young low budget teams.

Here's a look back at the busts and surprises of the first half of the 2013 MLB regular season...

MLB 2013 Half Way Point Busts

Josh Hamilton and the LA Angels: 

The Halos hooked the "big fish" on the free agent market this offseason, but have little to show for it as their 35-43 record is currently 10 games behind the A's and Rangers, who sit atop the division. While he is not the only player to blame, Hamilton has severely underperformed, batting just .215 in 74 games while slugging a measly .380.

Matt Kemp and the LA Dodgers: 

Southern California is full of disappointed fans this spring as the boys in blue just up the freeway from the Angels dwell in the cellar of the NL West. The offseason signing of Zack Greinke has done little to boost morale, or the club's record, as even the emergence of rookie sensation Yasiel Puig has done little to improve their ranking. Matt Kemp has been perhaps the most disappointing of the highly paid players, batting a mere .251 with two home runs in 53 games.

R.A. Dickey and the Toronto Blue Jays: 

The Jays followed a busy and successful offseason with a slow start that has landed them in the cellar of the AL East, 6.5 games behind the first place Red Sox. Last year's Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey has a sub .500 record and an ERA approaching the 5.00 mark, adding to the woes of this underachieving club that many thought would be a contender for the AL East crown.

MLB 2013 Half Way Point Surprises

Bartolo Colon and the Oakland Athletics: 

The A's should no longer be a surprise to baseball fans as they have continually competed despite a small payroll and a motley crew of ball players. Currently tied with the Rangers for the top spot in the AL West, Bob Melvin's club has received excellent pitching from former Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon. The 40 year old has been one of the biggest surprises of the season, boasting a 10-2 record and an ERA below 3.00.

Clay Bucholz and the Boston Red Sox: 

The boys from Beantown emerged from a tumultuous 2012 season with a new skipper and the best record in the league. The remarkable turnaround of John Farrell's club can be attributed in part to the much improved pitching, including an incredible first half from Clay Bucholz, who maintains a perfect 9-0 record and a miniscule 1.71 ERA.

Clint Hurdle and the Pittsburgh Pirates: 

Having already taken one struggling franchise to the World Series, Hurdle is hoping his previous success with the Rockies will carry over to his new club - and so far it has. After finishing the 2012 season in fourth place, the Pirates have emerged as the best team in the NL Central, currently tied with the Cardinals for the best record in all of baseball. Timely hitting and a stellar bullpen have been the key to the Pirates' success as the club does not have a hitter batting over .300 or a pitcher with more than seven wins.

Top 10 NBA Draft Busts of All Time

This year's class of NBA rookies will enter the league with very little fanfare. Perhaps the lower expectations on this year's youngsters will keep them off the following list of the Top 10 NBA Draft Busts of All Time...

10. Joe Smith: 

Golden State missed an excellent chance to land a big man when they passed on three All-Star power forwards in the 1995 draft. Players taken after Smith in 1995 draft: Kevin Garnett, Antonio McDyess, Rasheed Wallace.

9. Jay Williams: 

When the Bulls took Williams with the second overall pick in 2002, they were confident about his shooting skills. They were likely unaware of his motorcycle skills, which caused an abrupt end to his career when he crashed after his first season and was unable to return. Other players in 2002 draft: Amare Stoudamire.

8. Michael Olowakandi: 

Olowokandi was a curious pick from the start, a 7-footer who started playing basketball at age 18. The University of the Pacific alum had limited experience and great trouble shooting the basketball. The Clips would have been better selecting just about anybody else in this draft. Other players in 1998 draft: Mike Bibby, Dirk Nowitzki, Vince Carter, Paul Pierce.

7. Shawn Bradley: 

The giant of a man has the reputation as the "softest" center in the history of the NBA, a title he earned by becoming the most dunked-on player ever. Standing at 7 feet 5 inches, Bradley was literally the biggest bust in Philadelphia history. Other players in 1993 draft: Penny Hardaway, Sam Cassell.

6. Nikoloz Tskitishvili: 

This 7-footer's name may stand out, but it's not memorable to basketball fans as the Nuggets' fifth overall pick in the 2002 draft struggled to average three points a game. Other players in 2002 draft: Amare Stoudamire, Caron Butler.

5. Darko Milicic: 

In perhaps the best draft class in history, the Pistons made a fatal error by selecting Milicic, yet another 7-footer who has bounced around to six different clubs looking to start his doomed career. Other players taken after Milicic in 2003 draft: Dwayne Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh.

4. Sam Bowie: 

While Bowie put together a good career, he will forever be remembered as the player the Trail Blazers selected before the Bulls took Michael Jordan. While nobody could imagine Air Jordan in Portland, the Blazers had their chance. Other players in 1984 draft: His Airness.

3. Greg Oden: 

Over five NBA seasons, Oden has appeared in 82 games. The center has failed to average double digit points in those 82 games, leaving the Blazers with another draft bust. Other players in the 2007 draft: Kevin Durant, Joakim Noah.

2. Kwame Brown: 

Selected first overall in the 2001 draft, the 7-footer has barely managed to stay in the league. Following four less than mediocre seasons for the Wizards, Brown has bounced around to six different teams as coaches try to put his size to good use. Other players in 2001 draft: Pau Gasol, Tyson Chandler, Joe Johnson.

1. Todd Fuller: 

The Golden State Warriors selected Fuller ahead of Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant in the 1996 draft. There is no excuse for missing on two surefire Hall of Fame players. Imagine if the Warriors made the right selection in the 1995 draft and selected Garnett and followed that pick with Bryant or Nash in 1996. Coulda, woulda, shoulda.

Ronda Rousey Emulates Emelianenko

Women's bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey says that when it comes down to the fighter she tries to emulate in the octagon is Feydor Emelianenko. That is one hell of a mark to try to hit in the ring. Feydor was one of the best of all time and for fighter Ronda Rousey he is the perfect bench mark to base her fighting style off of.

About Feydor

Emelianenko held the heavyweight title from 2003 to 2006. He managed to pull of a ridiculous 28 win streak during his time with the strap. Because of these statistics he is widely regarded as the greatest heavy weight to ever fight in the sport. Coming form a mixed background of Judo-Sambo he was a powerhouse that was unrivaled.

Rousey Gives High Praise

During a chat sponsored by Metro PCS on Facebook earlier in the week Rousey was quoted as saying, "My favorite fighter to watch ever I would say is Fedor Emelianenko," she then went on to say "He’s always going to be my favorite.  It was the first highlight reel I ever saw of MMA.  I loved his style and how he came from a Judo-Sambo background, and I really try to emulate his style every time that I fight," Clearly Fedor is a respected figure and was a big influence on Ronda as she came up in the sport.

Rousey On Ultimate Fighter

The Ultimate Fighter, a reality show about fighters as they train for the opportunity to win a spot in the UFC, is on season 18 and Ronda Rousey is a coach opposite Pedro Rizzo. The season is shaping up nicely and is slated to offer some great fights and memorable moments.

Originally Cat Zigano was supposed to be the opposing coach however after tearing a ligament in her knee Zigano was forced to be replaced by Pedro Rizzo.

MLB Insect Encounters!

The outfield can be a jungle in some small towns. As kids that played rec ball we can all remember going to those fields in town that seemed to only have the grass cut once a month. Behind center field there was almost always a thickly wooded forest that was almost guaranteed to gobble up and ball that was agile enough to make it past the outfielders. Today were talking about prime real estate if you are an insect - the baseball diamond!

Praying Mantis On The Ump

This umpire found himself in a precarious situation when this little praying mantis ended up on his shoulder. The insects have a certain level of class to them that makes them one of the more pleasurable bugs that has the potential to land on you during the course of the ball game. Plus; praying mantises are supposedly good luck!

Beware Bugs!

Jorge Posada says "No Way" when it comes to bugs being in his personal space. Here we see Mr Posada spraying down the ump with insect repellant. During heavy rain and late nights the bugs of summer come out from their evil caves to annoy the catchers in the MLB second to none!

More Good Luck For Miguel

Minor league coach Miguel Garcia has more then great talent on the benches. In this shot he is seen with his pal the praying mantis gracefully hanging on to his ball cap. Praying mantises seem to be a theme in this post but it is purely coincidence. I think it might be safe to say their favorite sport is baseball!

Nick Markakis, Night Insect Lover

You've heard of "Lord of the Flies"? Nick Markakis is "lord of the moths" in the outfield. Late night games and extra innings cause these moths come out of their holes and become quite the distraction to Nick. Sometimes the moths can get so bad that players will come in from the field with freshly chewed holes in their jerseys!

 

Buy This Grasshopper Some Cracker Jacks!

Jimminy Crickets! That grasshopper sure does love popcorn! This incredible photo highlights the intricate balance between mother nature and its love of professional baseball. Just kidding! This great shot is the product of perfect timing and happenstance coincidence. However it does make you think. All these insects in these pictures enjoying all of this baseball. How the heck do they afford tickets? I guess we'll never know.

The News That Aaron Hernandez Overshadowed

There is no surprise that Aaron Hernandez' murder charges were the top story on Wednesday around the NFL. But there was also plenty of other happenings around the league. We're taking this opportunity to highlight some of the other stories that were circulating yesterday.

More Violent Crime? Say It Aint So!

While Hernandez was being brought up on charges, a Cleveland Browns rookie was having his charges cleared for allegedly having beaten up a 28 year old man outside of a night club. Ausar Walcott was having a tough enough time making it in the NFL and now this most recent incident doesn't seem to be making things any easier on him. Mr Walcott wasn't the only Brown under the spotlight on Wednesday, the owner of the team was under the microscope as well.

Cleveland Browns Owner Not Concerned With Gas Station Chain Investigation

The owner of the Cleveland Browns, Jimmy Haslam, owns a chain of gas stations that you have probably heard of, "Flying J". The chain is being investigated on charges of defrauding customers of rebate money. The gas station is already financially hurting and these charges sure wont make anything easier on them. Despite the situation Haslam has no intention of selling the Browns.

Manti Te'o Is Fitting In Nicely

This is a particularly good story. We have all heard the stories of the certain sorts of hazing rituals that take place when the new class of rooks come into town. Manti Te'o, his infamously known online romance that turned out to actually be a man, is a candidate that was basically ripe for the picking as far as hazing goes. Te'o was actually very surprised once showing up to off season work outs, actually saying this to Fox Sports; "To be honest with you, I was kind of expecting the worst. I was careful where I went. I was careful with what I said. The first day (of offseason practice), guys are coming up to me and saying, ‘Just have fun. Be you.' With that encouragement, I slowly started opening up a little more. I became myself - fast.

Bring On Opening Day

All in all, it was a big Wednesday around the league. All of this extra curricular activity in the world of the NFL lately has us thinking BRING ON THE SEASON. Enough of this thug player, criminal owner, fake girlfriend drama. Bring on the big plays and the pursuit of athletic greatness! See you all on Sunday.